“One in three Australians will need blood in their lifetime, but only one in 30 currently donates,” Ms Williams said.

“With demand expected to double for blood and blood products, the Australian Defence Organisation is playing an important role in ensuring that Australians who need blood have access to a safe and ongoing supply.”

Ms Williams said Australian blood donors also played an important role in supporting Aussie troops.

“The Blood Service supplies donated blood and blood products to the ADO for its overseas operations,” she said.

“And our research team is collaborating with the ADO to find out how we can safely freeze other blood products for transportation to operational areas.”